Leisure

Pandora opens new concept store at Vicar Lane

The world’s largest jewellery brand, Pandora, is set to unveil its brand-new store on Thursday 27th September at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, marking the first letting for Street Anchor Evolve who purchased the centre in June 2025.

The new concept store has been designed to showcase Pandora’s craftsmanship, creativity, and contemporary style in a fresh and immersive environment. Visitors will be able to explore Pandora’s latest jewellery lines, discover custom styling options, and enjoy a welcoming in-store experience tailored to inspire self-expression.

To celebrate the launch, the first 50 My Pandora members through the door at 10.00am will receive a £30 Pandora gift voucher, making the opening day extra special for early visitors.

Sarah Bowler, Centre Manager: “We’re thrilled to welcome Pandora as the first leƫng under Street Anchor Evolve’s ownership. This opening strengthens our commitment to offering customers a vibrant mix of global brands and unique shopping experiences right here in Chesterfield.”

Pandora adds to the vibrant mix of popular high street brands and independent retailers at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, helping to enhance the centre’s reputation as the go-to destination for shopping in the region.

Discover more about shopping in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield Market Place transformation welcomes shoppers

Chesterfield Market traders are celebrating the completion of major regeneration work to revitalise the main square.

The transformation has delivered a vibrant and welcoming space, featuring new feature paving, restored historic cobbles, bespoke market stalls with traditional coverings, upgraded facilities, and stylish street furniture. These improvements create an inviting environment where visitors can shop, relax, and enjoy the heart of Chesterfield.

The redesigned layout offers wider, more open avenues for shoppers to explore, along with a new central flexible space designed to host a variety of events throughout the year.

It is the first major area to be completed as part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s multi-million pound Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project.

The first full day of trading in Market Place took place today. (Thursday 18 September.)

People browsing market stalls at Chesterfield Market

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This is the start of a new chapter for our town centre, with the historic market at its heart. The improvements we’ve made will ensure we can attract great traders and more customers to Chesterfield for many years to come.

“We have one of the finest and oldest markets in the country and some of the most reasonable stall prices too. This coupled with a range of town centre events and activities will help draw to crowds in.

“There is still more work to be done across the town centre and the next phase of works in New Square will see that area completely transformed to create a flexible events space that can support markets on busy days like during our flea market but can also be used to support community events, festivals and much more.”

Wendy Bailey, who sells Antiques on Chesterfield’s Thursday Flea Market, said: “The new stalls are fantastic, they provide a great space which we can trade from in all weathers, are built to a really high standard and we’ve had lots of great compliments from customers about them. With the upgrades across the square the Market is looking the best it has for many years, and it creates a really welcoming environment for both traders and customers.”

People exploring Chesterfields' Thursday Flea Market

The works have been carried out on behalf of the council by Thomas Bow.

John Allen, Construction Director at Thomas Bow, said: “We are delighted to have completed phase two of this important project for Chesterfield. It has been a privilege to work collaboratively alongside the council and local traders to help create a space that the whole community can be proud of whilst maintaining access to the key area of the town. In addition to our work in the market place we have made a positive impact in the local communities through our social value programme alongside this scheme. We look forward to continuing this successful project into phase three.”

The next major phase of the market squares transformation is now underway, with contractor working on the lower half of New Square behind the Market Hall. All businesses and properties based on New Square will be accessible throughout the works.

This will see New Square transformed into a flexible events space that can support traditional markets on busy trading days but also host community events, festivals and much more.

Work in New Square is set to fully completed in Spring 2026.

View 01 - New Square (Ground) copy

Regeneration work is also ongoing in Rykneld Square where a greener space is being created that will provide views of the iconic Crooked Spire.

A future phase of the town centre regeneration project will focus on the transformation of Corporation Street to provide an enhanced welcome to the town centre for visitors and complement the ongoing refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall, home to the Pomegranate Theatre and Chesterfield Museum. This work is expected to be completed in time for the building reopening in 2026.

The project is funded through an almost £20 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund. With the funding split between town centre regeneration works and the refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall.

View 04 - Corporation Street stephenson memorial hall 1746

To find out more about the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project, visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/revitalise

Find out more about upcoming markets and events in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Half term, Heritage, Home, Leisure, Visiting

CRIT! brings Comic-Con energy to Chesterfield with grand opening and mini-con event

Chesterfield’s town centre is about to get a major pop culture upgrade as independent retailer Critical Hit rebrands to CRIT! and opens the doors to its new flagship store on Saturday 20th September. The launch event promises a full Comic-Con experience, complete with celebrity guests, giveaways, and immersive displays.

Located at 26 Burlington Street (formerly GAME), CRIT! is the brainchild of local entrepreneurs Nathan and John, who have built a loyal following since opening their original store on Knifesmithgate in May 2024. The new space is bigger, bolder, and packed with collectibles, gaming merchandise, anime, horror figures, and exclusive pop culture products.

To mark the occasion, CRIT! is hosting a Grand (Re)Opening and Mini-Con, featuring a special appearance by Hollywood actor Tommy Flanagan, known for roles in Sons of Anarchy, Peaky Blinders, Gladiator, and Guardians of the Galaxy 2. Fans will have the chance to meet Tommy for signings and photos throughout the day.

The event kicks off at 9am and includes a cosplay competition with prizes for both adults and children, judged by a professional photographer. One lucky visitor will win a Nintendo Switch 2, while runners-up will share £500 in store credit.

“We’ve poured our hearts and souls into this new space,” said Nathan Russell, co-owner of CRIT!. “The support from Chesterfield and surrounding areas has been incredible. CRIT! is more than a shop, it’s a place where fans can connect, celebrate their passions, and experience something truly special.”

Highlights of the new store include a 5-metre Pokewall, an expanded Funko Pop! wall, Loungefly bags, Gundam kits, Studio Ghibli merchandise, horror collectibles, Hot Toys, blind boxes, and more. The team’s vision is to bring the Comic-Con experience to Chesterfield, making it a destination for fans across the region.

This is the latest in a range of investments announced in Chesterfield town centre, these include:

Discover more about shopping in Chesterfield.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Breathe Pilates launches Chesterfield’s first LED x Hot studio

Breathe Pilates has officially opened on Chatsworth Road, bringing the UK’s first LED x Hot Pilates studio to Chesterfield.

Located at 131 Chatsworth Road, Breathe Pilates introduces a fresh concept to the town’s thriving fitness scene.

The brand new studio combines reformer Pilates with hot air and LED light therapy, creating a wellness experience unlike anything else in the UK.  This innovative approach offers a wide range of benefits, including improved strength, flexibility, recovery, and overall well-being.

“I am passionate about health and wellbeing and have enjoyed reformer Pilates for many years,” said Grace Jones, co-founder of Breathe Pilates”. I believe there is an opportunity to share my passion and raise awareness of reformer Pilates in Chesterfield for both men and women of all abilities and age groups.”

She added, “We wanted to create a welcoming space where people can move, feel stronger, and take time for themselves. Pilates has such a powerful way of building both the mind and the body, and we wanted to share that with our community.”

Breathe Pilates aims to collaborate with numerous local businesses to enhance the offerings for people in Chesterfield. Through run clubs, coffee mornings, and wellness workshops, they aim to provide a wide range of options to suit everyone’s interests and promote physical wellbeing for our community.

Explaining why Chesterfield was the perfect fit, Grace said: “We chose Chatsworth Road as it’s a vibrant community full of independent shops and studios as well as bars and cafes, and we thought Breathe would be a perfect addition.”

Breathe Pilates is open seven days a week, offering morning, evening, and select weekend classes.

Visitors can book through the Breathe Pilates UK app, the studio’s website at www.breathepilateschesterfield.co.uk, or by contacting the team at info@breathepilateschesterfield.co.uk.

Breathe Pilates shop front

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Raw4All brings natural pet nutrition to Brimington

An independent business in Brimington is helping Chesterfield’s pet owners give their animals the healthiest start in life. Raw4All, a family-run pet food shop, has reopened its doors to offer high-quality raw and natural pet food at prices that make healthy diets accessible to all.

Founded with a clear mission to support pet wellbeing, Raw4All specialises in raw food for dogs, cats, ferrets, birds of prey and exotic pets. The team is passionate about educating owners on the benefits of raw feeding, which many report leads to improved behaviour, better dental hygiene and fewer skin conditions.

“Raw4All was started to provide pet owners the option of a natural diet at price points that made it accessible to everyone,” said Owner, Paul Tingle. “As a family-run business, it’s important to us to not only offer great products, but also help owners understand how to make the best choices for their pets.”

In addition to raw food, the shop stocks a range of dried treats and accessories, and has plans to build a local network of pet industry professionals to support other businesses and help customers discover complementary services.

Chesterfield was a natural choice for the business, thanks to its friendly community, strong pet ownership and proximity to the Peak District, a haven for dog walkers and nature lovers. The town’s supportive environment for small businesses also played a key role in the decision to launch here.

“Chesterfield is well situated for small businesses to get a foothold and find their purpose,” Paul added.

The business also plans to expand its delivery service to reach customers who can’t visit the shop in person, with long-term ambitions to open more stores based on the successful Brimington model.

To celebrate its relaunch, Raw4All is hosting an Open Day on Saturday, 13th September from 10 am to 3 pm, inviting pet owners to explore the shop, ask questions about pet nutrition, and meet the team.

Raw4All is the latest independent business that has made our high streets its home or expanded to larger premises, these include:

If you are interested in opening a business in Chesterfield.  Discover more about available commercial property at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/commercial-property-search/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Leisure

Thousands celebrate creativity and community at Tapton Lock Festival 2025

Chesterfield’s Tapton Lock Festival returned bigger and better than ever on 6–7 September 2025, drawing thousands of visitors to the Chesterfield Canal for a vibrant weekend of outdoor adventure, creative exploration and community spirit.

Organised by local arts charity Junction Arts, this year’s festival marked its largest edition to date, thanks to a new partnership with Arts Derbyshire and their touring programme, Festivity. The expanded line-up offered a diverse programme from live music and storytelling to hands-on workshops and outdoor activities, all celebrating the natural beauty of Tapton Lock and the region’s rich creative talent.

Visitors enjoyed free canal boat rides, “have-a-go” canoeing and climbing wall sessions, circus skills workshops, and a wide range of art activities, including acrylic pouring and printmaking.

As part of Festivity, the festival showcased:

  • Live performances from Derbyshire singer-songwriters Michael Vickers and Sarah Hinds
  • A digital gallery featuring eleven visual artists from across the county
  • A spoken word programme curated by the Derby Poetry Festival, highlighting diverse regional voices

Families were captivated by interactive storytelling sessions from Adverse Camber, while Arts Derbyshire hosted drop-in nature-inspired workshops. On Saturday, printmaker Nicki Dennett led creative print sessions, followed by artist Paola DeGio on Sunday, who introduced visitors to marbling techniques.

A standout feature was Junction Arts’ collaboration with VERBA – the Ukrainian Social Group of Chesterfield, who brought an eco-conscious art trail to the festival. Eco-Path – A Living Journey invited families to explore six interactive stations themed around sustainability, including climate awareness, recycling, biodiversity, textile waste and microplastics. Participants collected stamps in their Eco Passport while engaging in activities such as:

  • Making instruments from recycled materials
  • Creating seed bombs
  • Junk modelling and textile art

Festival favourites returned too, with the Vintage Fairground and Bubbleologist delighting younger visitors.

“It has been an amazing weekend where friends and families have come together to appreciate this beautiful location,” said Jane Wells, Project Manager at Junction Arts. “Whether it’s listening to live music, getting active or creating your own masterpiece, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

Launched in 2013, the Tapton Lock Festival is a free, inclusive celebration designed to promote health, wellbeing and creativity. For over a decade, it has offered opportunities for people to try new skills, connect with nature and take part in cultural experiences right in the heart of Chesterfield.

Discover what’s on in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Italian restaurant Giorgio’s relaunches as il Forno

A much-loved Chesterfield restaurant is entering an exciting new chapter. Giorgio’s, located on Whittington Moor, will relaunch this September as il Forno.

The name that pays tribute to its Italian roots and the wood-fired oven that has long been the heart of its kitchen. While the name and interiors are evolving, the essence of the restaurant remains unchanged. The same talented chef and dedicated team who’ve built Giorgio’s reputation over the past decade will continue to serve the dishes locals know and love.

“We as a family are incredibly proud of what we’ve built as Giorgio’s over the past 10+ years,” said owner Fran Montero. “But il Forno feels like the perfect new chapter, a name that honours our history while reflecting what makes us truly special: our wood pizza oven. We can’t wait to welcome both our loyal customers and new diners.”

Inside, diners can expect a refreshed, modern look while retaining the warm, welcoming atmosphere that has made the restaurant a community favourite. The front of the restaurant will undergo further improvements in the coming weeks, completing the transformation.

The menu will continue to feature Giorgio’s most popular dishes, especially its celebrated pizzas. A few new additions will enhance the dining experience, but the popular half-price pizza and pasta offer will remain unchanged.

“After so many wonderful years, we’re simply refreshing and modernising, while keeping everything that’s made us a favourite with our community,” Fran added.

il Forno will continue to serve as a vibrant hub for residents, offering authentic Italian cuisine in a stylish, relaxed setting.

The rebrand marks a new era for the restaurant, reinforcing its commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation. The restaurant will reopen to the public on Saturday, 13th September.

Looking for more ideas of places to eat and drink in Chesterfield, check out https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/2025/07/50-food-and-drink-businesses-to-try-in-chesterfield/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Visiting

Tapton Lock Visitor Centre reopened by rock legend

Dave Berry has officially reopened Tapton Lock Visitor Centre at the Tapton Lock Festival, organised by Junction Arts.

Chesterfield Canal Trust has stepped in to reopen the centre after its closure in May and has taken out an initial nine-month licence to run the centre, owned by Derbyshire County Council.   The centre is now open daily.

Jill Hardy, who runs the Visitor Centre for the Trust, said: “We are very grateful to Dave for coming to officially open Tapton Lock Visitor Centre.   I’m delighted to announce that we will now be open every day, except Christmas Day. Please come to visit us, find out more about the canal and try some of our lovely coffee!”

Dave Berry is famous for his many classic hits from the 1960s, like The Crying Game. He lives locally, in Dronfield, and first made contact with the Chesterfield Canal Trust many years ago after taking his granddaughter on a Santa Special cruise. He was impressed by the work of the volunteers and decided to help.

He is the Chesterfield Canal Trust’s Restoration Ambassador. He once cycled the full length of the canal, raising several hundred pounds in sponsorship for the Trust. He has spoken at a Supporters’ Group meeting and is often to be found walking or cycling along the canal.

The Chesterfield Canal Trust is restoring the canal at Staveley thanks to funding from the Staveley Town Deal.

In the next few months, a new lock, a pumping system and several hundred metres of canal will be built. In addition, nearly two miles of towpath will be restored all the way to Renishaw.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Travelodge invests in Chesterfield as part of national expansion strategy

Travelodge has announced the acquisition of a Chesterfield hotel, reinforcing its commitment to growth and rebranding across the UK.

The hotel, formerly operated under the Ibis brand, is one of four newly acquired sites by Travelodge, alongside locations in Preston, Bradford Shipley and Cardiff. The move is part of the company’s wider UK strategy to convert existing hotels into Travelodge-branded properties, bringing the total number of rebranded acquisitions this year to 16.

Located within walking distance of Chesterfield town centre and railway station, the 86-room hotel offers convenient access to local attractions including the Pomegranate Theatre, Chesterfield Museum, and the nearby Peak District. It is also just a short drive from Chatsworth House, making it an ideal base for both leisure and business travellers.

The hotel will undergo a full refurbishment later this year as part of Travelodge’s multi-million pound upgrade programme. The refit will introduce the brand’s latest design standards, including a contemporary reception area, next-generation rooms, and enhanced interiors focused on comfort and functionality.

“These acquisitions are another strong addition to our UK portfolio and demonstrate the continued momentum behind our rebrand-led growth strategy,” said Steve Bennett, Chief Property and Development Officer at Travelodge. “We’re seeing increasing opportunities to convert well-located, existing hotels into Travelodges.

Travelodge’s investment reflects confidence in Chesterfield’s visitor economy and its strategic location as a base to visit the Peak District. The company has identified over 300 further locations across the UK for future expansion, with Chesterfield’s inclusion underscoring its appeal to national operators.

The rebrand is expected to enhance the town’s accommodation offering, supporting the town’s wider ambitions to grow tourism and business travel.

This investment showcases confidence in Chesterfield town centre, alongside other recent investments for residential, commercial and retail activity, including:

Discover more about investing in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Stay, Visiting

Chesterfield is named one of the best places to live in Derbyshire

Chesterfield has been named one of the top 10 places to live in Derbyshire by lifestyle guide Muddy Stilettos, reinforcing the town’s growing reputation as a destination of choice for families, professionals and businesses.

The accolade highlights Chesterfield’s unique blend of countryside charm, community spirit and urban convenience. With its location on the edge of the Peak District, excellent transport links, and vibrant local culture, the town continues to attract people looking for quality of life and opportunity.

This latest recognition follows a series of national endorsements. Chesterfield was recently featured in The Guardian’s list of Britain’s happiest places to live and retained its title as the happiest town in the East Midlands in the Rightmove Happy at Home Index.

Residents consistently praise Chesterfield’s access to green spaces, affordable housing, and a strong sense of community. The town is home to one of the oldest open-air markets in England and the iconic Crooked Spire Church, which stands as a symbol of Chesterfield’s rich heritage. Its historic streets, cultural venues and growing number of independent shops and eateries contribute to a lively town centre that blends tradition with modern living.

Chesterfield also continues to invest in its future. Ongoing regeneration of the town centre, new housing developments, and improvements to local infrastructure are helping to create a place where people can live well, work productively and enjoy a balanced lifestyle.

Andrew Byrne, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said:  “This recognition reflects what so many of us already know: Chesterfield is a fantastic place to live. We’re proud of our heritage, our green spaces, and our welcoming community. With continued investment and regeneration, we’re building a place that offers opportunity, quality of life and a real sense of belonging.”

To explore what makes Chesterfield a great place to live, visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/living.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Property and Construction

New sculpture to celebrate Staveley’s heritage and community

A striking new sculpture is currently being created to welcome residents and visitors to Staveley town centre. Commissioned as part of the Animate Chesterfield public art programme, the piece will celebrate the town’s rich heritage, wildlife, and community spirit.

The sculpture, titled ‘Cuckoo Boat Sail’, is being developed by acclaimed public artist Coralie Turpin. Inspired by the historic ‘Cuckoo boats’ that once sailed from the Chesterfield Canal to the River Trent, the artwork captures the ingenuity and bravery of Staveley’s ancestors while showcasing the natural beauty of the canal and its surroundings.

“The history around the ingenious people who sailed the Cuckoo boats is an empowering one for Staveley,” said Coralie. “The wildlife along the canal is a genuine wealth to be proud of. The sculpture encapsulates this in its sail-like form, colours and detail. I hope it will help people to imagine how brave their ancestors were.”

Coralie’s research with the Chesterfield Canal Trust uncovered the story of these unique vessels, which were pulled by horses and fitted with sails. They were the only boats on the canal capable of sailing out to sea, and their legacy continues to inspire local pride. The sculpture’s sail-like form will incorporate mosaic designs inspired by local wildlife, leaf veins, and natural structures, encouraging residents to explore and appreciate the biodiversity of the Staveley Canal.

The project has involved extensive engagement with local residents and schools. Coralie has hosted creative workshops with pupils from Staveley Junior School and Netherthorpe School, as well as sessions with community members at Edge Ministries. These workshops helped gather ideas and inspired mosaic artworks that will be featured on the final sculpture.

“I love art, it’s fun, mixing colours, blending. It makes me feel happy and excited,” said one pupil.  Another said, “I thought I wasn’t good at art, but when I look at what I’ve done, I am!”

These contributions will be integrated into the sculpture, ensuring it reflects the voices and creativity of the people who call Staveley home. The final design will use hand-cut mosaic techniques to feature local flora and fauna alongside mini artworks created by pupils, complementing Coralie’s work.

Animate Chesterfield is a public art initiative delivered by Beam in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council. It places creativity and community at the heart of regeneration projects in Chesterfield and Staveley. Funding for the sculpture was secured through planning agreements under the council’s percent for art scheme, which continues on a voluntary basis.

“This sculpture is a celebration of Staveley’s heritage and its vibrant community,” said Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council. “It’s a powerful example of how art can bring people together and create a lasting sense of pride in place.”

The sculpture is expected to be installed later this year. Residents are encouraged to follow its progress and explore the stories and wildlife that inspired its creation.

Learn more about Animate Chesterfield at: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/animate

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Leisure